BANGKOK – Opposition MPs in Thailand are hitting Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul with fierce criticism after fuel prices at the pump rose by as much as 6 baht per liter overnight. Many called the move plain “robbery” after the government cut fuel subsidies with little warning.
The increase took effect on Thursday, March 26, and pushed diesel prices to roughly 38 to 39 baht per liter in some areas. The night before, long lines formed at gas stations as drivers rushed to fill up before the higher rates kicked in. Now households across the country are bracing for rising transport costs, pricier goods, and more strain on daily budgets.
Fuel Prices Rose Fast After Subsidy Cuts
World oil prices have moved up quickly because of conflict in the Middle East. At the same time, Thailand’s Oil Fuel Fund had been spending heavily to keep domestic fuel prices down. That support became harder to maintain as the fund’s losses climbed, at times topping 2.5 billion baht a day.
On March 25, the Oil Fuel Fund Management Committee reduced those subsidies. As a result, retail fuel prices jumped right away by about 6 baht per liter for most fuel types. Officials said the change was needed to reduce stockpiling and cross-border smuggling, since fuel in Thailand had become cheaper than in nearby countries.
Still, many critics say the timing and size of the increase don’t add up. Fuel already in storage was bought when crude prices were lower, so they argue there is no clear reason to pass the full increase on at once.
Atthawit Suwannapakdee Says 6-Baht Jump on Old Stock Is Excessive
Atthawit Suwannapakdee, a party-list MP from the United Thai Nation (UTN) Party, strongly criticized the move and urged the Ministry of Commerce to step in quickly.
In a social media post, he said a 6-baht rise on existing stock was too steep. He warned that such a sharp jump could push refineries to hold back supply and wait for bigger profits later. In his view, the increase looks unfair because current inventory was purchased at lower prices.
His remarks add to wider concern that the policy may reward speculation instead of helping ordinary consumers.
Parit Wacharasindhu Challenges the Government’s “Burden-Sharing” Claim
Parit Wacharasindhu, spokesperson for the opposition People’s Party, also spoke out in a Facebook post. He argued that the sudden increase goes against the government’s own claim that all sides should share the burden fairly.
He said key questions remain unanswered. These include claims of fuel hoarding, the lack of clear plans for a windfall tax on refinery profits, and the absence of a firm timeline for support for groups such as drivers, farmers, and small businesses.
Parit also pointed out that Prime Minister Anutin gave no explanation in parliament on Wednesday. He added that Anutin avoided reporters’ questions that same day and, by Thursday afternoon, still had not made a public statement.
Short Parliament Week Draws More Criticism
Opposition lawmakers also questioned why parliament met for only one day this week, instead of holding the usual Thursday sitting. Some believe the reduced schedule helped the government avoid direct pressure during a growing fuel crisis.
The backlash comes only weeks after Anutin won another term as prime minister, following a strong election result for the Bhumjaithai Party in February. His administration had promised to help lower living costs, so the fuel price shock has hit many voters especially hard.
Government Unveils Seven Relief Steps
In response, the Cabinet approved seven support measures on Thursday to soften the impact. These include:
- A possible cut to fuel excise tax to bring pump prices down
- More support through state welfare cards for low-income households
- Fertilizer subsidies for farmers
- Fuel aid for fishermen and transport operators
- Price controls on key goods to limit broader inflation
- Other targeted help for sectors under the most pressure
Prime Minister Anutin also called a special Cabinet meeting focused on the energy crisis. Officials said the country still has enough fuel reserves for about 100 days, and they are trying to stop panic buying.
Sources at the Finance Ministry said an immediate oil tax cut is also under review, pending approval.
Thai Households and Businesses Feel the Impact
The increase is likely to hit many people quickly, because so many Thais depend on motorcycles, pickup trucks, and public transportation. Higher diesel prices usually feed into food costs, delivery charges, and factory expenses.
Consumer groups and business owners have already warned about broader effects. They say ready-to-eat meals, building materials, and groceries may become more expensive within the next one to three months.
Meanwhile, gas stations saw heavy traffic on Wednesday night as drivers tried to beat the 5 a.m. deadline. Some stations reported unusually high sales.
A Major Early Test for Anutin’s New Term
This fuel price spike has become one of the first big political tests of Anutin’s new term. His government is dealing with both global pressure and growing criticism at home. At the same time, opposition parties, especially the People’s Party, are using the issue to push for more openness and stronger oversight.
There are still major questions about refinery profit margins, possible stockpiling, and whether the burden is being shared fairly between the government, oil firms, and the public.
Analysts say that if prices stay high for too long, consumer confidence could weaken and the economic recovery could slow.
The government says it will keep a close watch on the fuel market and continue targeted relief. The Energy Regulatory Commission and the Oil Fuel Fund are expected to keep reviewing price conditions.
Opposition MPs say they will continue pressing the issue in parliament and in public. They want clear action on windfall taxes, anti-hoarding rules, and exact dates for support programs.
For now, Thai families and businesses are already feeling the squeeze. Many are hoping the relief package brings real help soon, before prices rise even more.
This is a developing story. Drivers and consumers should follow official updates from the Energy Ministry and the Oil Fuel Fund for the latest fuel price changes.
Key Takeaways
- Fuel price increase: Prices rose by up to 6 baht per liter on March 26, 2026, after subsidy cuts.
- Main critics: Atthawit Suwannapakdee of UTN and Parit Wacharasindhu of the People’s Party led the criticism.
- Government response: The Cabinet approved seven relief measures and is also weighing an excise tax cut.
- Main cause: Rising global oil prices tied to Middle East tensions have put heavy pressure on Thailand’s Oil Fuel Fund.
